Files, Data & Images

Modern assistants don't just read what you type. You can give them documents, spreadsheets, photos and screenshots, and many can create images too. Today you'll learn what to ask for, and how to check the results.

Look for a paperclip, + or upload button next to the message box. (If you don't see one, your plan or app may not support files.)

Documents

Upload a PDF or Word document, then use everything from Day 5: summaries, action lists, plain-English explanations and questions with quotes.

Documents are also great for comparing:

I've uploaded two versions of my employment contract: the old one and the new one. List every change between them in a table: section, old wording, new wording, and what the change means for me in plain English.

Spreadsheets and data

Many assistants can analyse spreadsheets (Excel or CSV files): add things up, find trends and draw charts. Some actually run calculations behind the scenes, which makes the maths more reliable than doing it "in their head".

This spreadsheet has my bank transactions for January to June. Group my spending into categories (food, transport, bills, eating out, shopping, other), show the total per category per month as a table, and make a bar chart. Then tell me the 3 biggest changes over the six months.

Useful follow-ups: "Which single purchases were the largest?", "What's my average weekly spend on food?", "Show it as a line chart instead."

Spot-check the numbers

Numbers from files feel authoritative, but columns can be misread and rows missed. Before you rely on a result, check one or two figures yourself: total one category in your spreadsheet app and compare.

Photos and screenshots

Assistants can see images. That makes screenshots one of the fastest ways to get help:

[screenshot of an error message]
I see this when I try to print. What does it mean, and how do I fix it on Windows? Give me the steps one at a time.

Other everyday uses:

• a photo of a plant, dish or appliance label: "What is this, and how do I look after it?"
• a photo of your fridge: "Suggest three dinners I could make from this."
• a chart or slide: "Explain what this chart shows in two sentences."
• a sign or menu in another language: "Translate this."

As with all AI answers, double-check anything important, such as plant safety for pets or allergy information.

Creating images

Many assistants can generate images from a description. Describe it like a brief to an illustrator: subject, setting, style, lighting and purpose:

Create a flat, colourful illustration for the top of a community garden newsletter: neighbours of different ages planting vegetables in raised beds, sunny spring day, simple shapes, cheerful, wide banner shape.

Then refine with follow-ups: "Make it less busy", "Use autumn colours", "Remove the text".

Recap

• Use the upload button to give the assistant documents, spreadsheets and images.
• With documents, summarise, question and compare versions; check it read the file correctly.
• With spreadsheets, ask for totals, trends and charts, then spot-check a figure or two.
• Screenshots and photos are a fast way to get help with what's in front of you.
• For image generation, describe subject, setting, style and purpose; use the results honestly.

Tomorrow you'll learn what never to paste into an assistant, and the settings that protect your privacy.